He leaves behind his wife Julee and their young daughter Preslee, along with his mother and brother.

His family released this statement Sunday morning: "Matt always loved and protected his family and his greatest asset was his love for his daughter Preslee. He always put his family and friends ahead of himself and was constantly thinking ahead and planning on their behalf. Matt was a man of integrity and had a strong faith in God. While we are deeply saddened and feel a sense of great loss, we know that God will pull us through this very difficult time. We appreciate the support so many have already given and ask that you would remember us in your thoughts and prayers."

Matt left KNWA in July to deliver the news for KTHV in Little Rock, closer to his & Julee's hometown of Arkadelphia.

His memory remains as a large part of many employees at KNWA, people across Northwest Arkansas and the Razorback sports world.

After graduating from Ouachita Baptist University, Matt Turner first joined the KNWA team in August of 2003 as a sports anchor and reporter.

Turner caught the eye of management while reporting from Little Rock during the Nolan Richardson racial discrimination trial. As a sportscaster, he also covered several other important news events, including a tornado that ripped through Northwest Arkansas in March of 2006.

He was promoted to primary news anchor in July of 2006 and was voted best news anchor by several publications.

While working for KNWA, Turner moderated various political debates and loved volunteering in the community by emceeing events and fundraisers that raise money for local charities.

Matt and Julee had their first child in November of 2011, Preslee Bell Turner. His growing family was one reason he chose to leave KNWA and move closer to home.

His NWA family sends their condolences to the Turner and Bell families. Matt is greatly loved and missed at KNWA and in Northwest Arkansas.

"I am at a loss for words," says KNWA General Manager Lisa Kelsey. "Everyone at KNWA loves Matt, Julee and Preslee. We're just heartbroken right now. His entire family is in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time."

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